Tired of an abusive spouse, Rachel McKenzie is determined to find some sort of freedom. Pregnant with nowhere to go, she fears her husband, Gavin, will harm her worse and perhaps the baby unless she leaves. Thanks to a Good Samaritan, Father Michael, who finds her along the highway, she is given the chace at a new life at a shelter for domestically abused women.

Matthew Steele has his own trauma, with a scarred past and a present with challenges that face him daily. Matthew Steele despises abusive men. He offers help to people, never accepting the credit. The parish sends Rachel to his home for a job opportunity.

Matthew needs someone to care for his sister, Kendra, who is on the autism spectrum. He speaks so kindly about his sister, and even with his stutter, Rachel feels she can trust him. Matthew finds Rachel very attractive and a good caregiver for Kendra. They soon develop a strong friendship, even though both have haunting traumas. First they must overcome their past ordeals before they can even think of accepting a future together.

Sweet Surrender is a powerful read that carries the reader into a world of abuse and hurt to find an everlasting love of trust and friendship. Rachel exhibits much pain that the reader can feel. Matthew has afflictions that touch the reader deeply. It was as if they both needed the medicine the other required in their lives. Sometimes it is hard to trust again after the heart has been broken, and Ms. Marshall does an excellent job in blending a moving story that shows how to override that hurt and go on with life. This compelling story, with well-rounded characters is an exceptional rare read that one can identify, while it tugs at the heartstrings.

Cherokee
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books